Christopher Cunningham

10-5-09

Jesus man or myth? A scholarly critique of the myth that Jesus never Existed

Jesus never existed! some skeptics claim, that he was a mere myth just like

any other Pagan God or deity through the centuries such as Bacchus,

Hercules, or even Dionysus. Big promoters of the so called Jesus myth

are those involved with groups such as the Jesus Seminar, and the ever

so popular film Zeitgeist produced by Acharya S known as DM Murdock,

and Peter Joseph. However this opinion is not shared by a majority of the

academic consensus and scholarly community. Even non Christian scholars

admit to a historical Jesus and attest to the fact that he did exist. Here are a

few quotes from a few prominent scholars and their views on the Jesus

myth hypothesis to show that this thesis does not stand up to historicity.

Here is what Michael Grant a Atheist historian who rejects the idea has to

say regarding the Jesus myth hypothesis in his book Jesus: An Historian's

Review of the Gospels:

This skeptical way of thinking reached its culmination in the argument that Jesus as a
human being never existed at all and is a myth.... But above all, if we apply to the New
Testament, as we should, the same sort of criteria as we should apply to other ancient
writings containing historical material, we can no more reject Jesus' existence than we
can reject the existence of a mass of pagan personages whose reality as historical figures
is never questioned. Certainly, there are all those discrepancies between one Gospel and
another. But we do not deny that an event ever took place just because some pagan
historians such as, for example, Livy and Polybius, happen to have described it in
differing terms.... To sum up, modern critical methods fail to support the Christ myth
theory. It has 'again and again been answered and annihilated by first rank scholars.' In
recent years, 'no serous scholar has ventured to postulate the non historicity of Jesus' or at
any rate very few, and they have not succeeded in disposing of the much stronger, indeed
very abundant, evidence to the contrary.

Even the famously liberal Professor Bultmann, who argued against the historicity of
much of the gospels, questions the reasonableness of Jesus Mythers themselves in Jesus
and the Word.

“Of course the doubt as to whether Jesus really existed is unfounded and not worth
refutation. No sane person can doubt that Jesus stands as founder behind the historical
movement whose first distinct stage is represented by the Palestinian community.”

Finally here is what Professor Stanton chairman of New Testament Studies at Cambridge

University had to say regarding this matter when he led the attack on Carston Theide's re-

dating of the Jesus Papyrus:

 “Today, nearly all historians, whether Christians or not, accept that Jesus existed and
that the gospels contain plenty of valuable evidence which as to be weighed and
assessed critically. There is general agreement that, with the possible exception of
Paul, we know far more about Jesus of Nazareth than about any first or second
century Jewish or pagan religious teacher.”

This is just a few of the list of scholars that reject the myth Jesus never existed

It shows that it is not to be taken seriously and that it is without merit.

II Historical Sources for the evidence for Christ

1: Evidence from the Bible

2: None Christian Sources

3: Gnostic Sources

4:Lost Works

5: Christian Sources

Evidence from the Bible:

A: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Paul, Hebrews, James, Peter and Jude

None Christian Sources:

A: Cornelius Tacitus
B: Gaius Suetonius Tranquillas

C: Josephus

D: Julius Africanus

E: Pliney the Younger

F: Lucian of Samosata

G: Jewish Talmud

H: Emperor Hadrian

F: Mara Bar Serapion

Cornelius Tacitus (55-120 AD) Roman Historian

Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most
exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the
populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty
during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a
most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in
Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and
shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly,
an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an
immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred
against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the
skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were
doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had
expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the
circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a
car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there
arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut
one man's cruelty, that they were being destroyed."
Gaius Suetonius Tranquillas Chief secretary to Emperor Hadrian (117-138)

Because the Jews of Rome caused continous disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus,
[Claudius] expelled them from the city."

After the great fire at Rome [during Nero's reign] ... Punishments were also inflicted on
the Christians, a sect professing a new and mischievous religious belief."

Flavius Josephus (37-97 AD) Jewish Historian

At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus. And his conduct was good and
he was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and other nations
became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. And those who
had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had
appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive; accordingly, he
was perhaps the messiah concerning whom the prophets have recounted wonders."
(Arabic translation)
Julius Africanus in reference to the darkness which covered the earth at the time of the

Crucifixion around 221 AD:

"Thallus, in the third book of his histories, explains away the darkness as an eclipse of the
sun--unreasonably, as it seems to me." [A solar eclipse could not take place during a full
moon, as was the case during Passover season.]

Pliney the Younger Roman Governor Bithynia in Asia Minor around 112 AD

"[The Christians] were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light,
when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves
by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or
adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to
deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake
of food--but food of an ordinary and innocent kind." Pliny added that Christianity
attracted persons of all societal ranks, all ages, both sexes, and from both the city and the
country. Late in his letter to Emperor Trajan, Pliny refers to the teachings of Jesus and his
followers as excessive and contagious superstition.
Lucian of Samoset a second century Greek Satirist:

The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day--the distinguished personage who
introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account. ... You see, these
misguided creatures start with the general conviction that they are immortal for all time,
which explains the contempt of death and voluntary self-devotion which are so common
among them; and then it was impressed on them by their original lawgiver that they are
all brothers, from the moment that they are converted, and deny the gods of Greece, and
worship the crucified sage, and live after his laws. All this they take quite on faith, with
the result that they despise all worldly goods alike, regarding them merely as common
property." Lucian also reported that the Christians had "sacred writings" which were
frequently read. When something affected them, "they spare no trouble, no expense."

Jewish Talmud between 70 and 200 AD

On the eve of the Passover Yeshu was hanged. For forty days before the execution took
place, a herald went forth and cried, 'He is going forth to be stoned because he has
practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy. Anyone who can say anything in his
favor, let him come forward and plead on his behalf.' But since nothing was brought
forward in his favor he was hanged on the eve of the Passover."

Another early reference in the Talmud speaks of five of Jesus’ disciples and recounts their
standing before judges who make individual decisions about each one, deciding that they
should be executed. However, no actual deaths are recorded.]

Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD) to Mincius Fundanus the Asian

I do not wish, therefore, that the matter should be passed by without examination, so that
these men may neither be harassed, nor opportunity of malicious proceedings be offered
to informers. If, therefore, the provincials can clearly evince their charges against the
Christians, so as to answer before the tribunal, let them pursue this course only, but not
by mere petitions, and mere outcries against the Christians. For it is far more proper, if
anyone would bring an accusation, that you should examine it." Hadrian further
explained that if Christians were found guilty they should be judged "according to the
heinousness of the crime." If the accusers were only slandering the believers, then those
who inaccurately made the charges were to be punished

Mara Bar Serapion of Syria (70-200 AD)

What advantage did the Athenians gain from putting Socrates to death? Famine and
plague came upon them as a judgment for their crime. What advantage did the men of
Samos gain from burying Pythagoras? In a moment their land was covered with sand.
What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise king? It was just after that
that their kingdom was abolished. God justly avenged these three wise men: the
Athenians died of hunger; the Samians were overwhelmed by the sea; the Jews, ruined
and driven from their land, live in complete dispersion. But Socrates did not die for good;
he lived on in the teaching of Plato. Pythagoras did not die for good; he lived on in the
statue of Hera. Nor did the wise king die for good; he lived on in the teaching which he
had given."

II Gnostic Sources

A: The Gospel Of Truth

B: Gospel Of Thomas

C: Apocrypha Of John

Gospel Of Truth (135-160 AD) written by Valentius (135-160 AD)

For when they had seen him and had heard him, he granted them to taste him and to smell
him and to touch the beloved Son. When he had appeared instructing them about the
Father. ... For he came by means of fleshly appearance." Other passages affirm that the
Son of God came in the flesh and "the Word came into the midst. ... it became a body."

Jesus, was patient in accepting sufferings. . . since he knows that his death is life
for many. . . . he was nailed to a tree; he published the edict of the Father on the
cross. ... He draws himself down to death through life. ... eternal clothes him.
Having stripped himself of the perishable rags, he put on imperishability, which
no one can possibly take away from him."

Gospel Of Thomas (140-200 AD)

Contain many references to and alleged quotations of Jesus.

Apocrypha Of John Saturnine (120-130 AD)

It happened one day when John, the brother of James,--who are the sons of Zebedee--
went up and came to the temple, that a Pharisee named Arimanius approached him and
said to him, `Where is your master whom you followed?' And he said to him, 'He has
gone to the place from which he came.' The Pharisee said to him, 'This Nazarene
deceived you with deception and filled your ears with lies and closed your hearts and
turned you from the traditions of your fathers.'"

III Lost works

A: Acts Of Pontius Pilate

B: Phlegon
 Acts of Pontius Pilate, reports sent from Pilate to Tiberius by Justin Martyr

(150 AD)

"And the expression, 'They pierced my hands and my feet,' was used in reference to the
nails of the cross which were fixed in His hands and feet. And after he was crucified, they
cast lots upon His vesture, and they that crucified Him parted it among them. And that
these things did happen you can ascertain the 'Acts' of Pontius Pilate." Later Justin lists
several healing miracles and asserts, "And that He did those things, you can learn from
the Acts of Pontius Pilate."

Phlegon (80 AD)

mentioned that Jesus made certain predictions which had been fulfilled.

IV Christian Sources

A: Clement of Rome

B: Ignatius

C: Quadratus

D: Barnabas

E: Justin Martyr

Clement of Rome letter to the Corinthian Church (95 AD)

"The Apostles received the Gospel for us from the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ was
sent forth from God. So then Christ is from God, and the Apostles are from Christ. Both
therefore came of the will of God in the appointed order. Having therefore received a
charge, and having been fully assured through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ
and confirmed in the word of God with full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth
with the glad tidings that the kingdom of God should come. So preaching everywhere in
country and town, they appointed their first fruits, when they had proved them by the
Spirit, to be bishops and deacons unto them that should believe."

Ignatius Bishop of Antioch letter to Trallians (110-115 AD)

"Jesus Christ who was of the race of David, who was the Son of Mary, who was truly
born and ate and drank, was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate, was truly crucified and
died in the sight of those in heaven and on earth and those under the earth; who moreover
was truly raised from the dead, His Father having raised Him, who in the like fashion will
so raise us also who believe on Him."

Ignatius letter to the Smyrna’s (110-115 AD)

"He is truly of the race of David according to the flesh, but Son of God by the Divine will
and power, truly born of a virgin and baptized by John that all righteousness might be
fulfilled by Him, truly nailed up in the flesh for our sakes under Pontius Pilate and Herod
the tetrarch (of which fruit are we--that is, of his most blessed passion); that He might set
up an ensign unto all ages through His resurrection."

"For I know and believe that He was in the flesh even after the resurrection; and when He
came to Peter and his company, He said to them, 'Lay hold and handle me, and see that I
am not a demon without body.' And straightway they touched him, and they believed,
being joined unto His flesh and His blood. Wherefore also they despised death, nay they
were found superior to death. And after His resurrection He ate with them and drank with
them."

Ignatius letter to the Magnesia’s (110-115 AD)

"Be ye fully persuaded concerning the birth and the passion and the resurrection, which
took place in the time of the governorship of Pontius Pilate; for these things were truly
and certainly done by Jesus Christ our hope."
Quadratus to Emperor Hadrian (125 AD)

"The deeds of our Savior were always before you, for they were true miracles; those that
were healed, those that were raised from the dead, who were seen, not only when healed
and when raised, but were always present. They remained living a long time, not only
whilst our Lord was on earth, but likewise when He had left the earth. So that some of
them have also lived to our own times."

Barnabas (130-138 AD)

"He must needs be manifested in the flesh. ... He preached teaching Israel and performing
so many wonders and miracles, and He loved them exceedingly. ... He chose His own
apostles who were to proclaim His Gospel. ... But He Himself desired so to suffer; for it
was necessary for Him to suffer on a tree."

Justin Martyr Dialogue with Trypho (150 AD)

"For at the time of His birth, Magi who came from Arabia worshipped Him, coming first
to Herod, who then was sovereign in your land."

For when they crucified Him, driving in the nails, they pierced His hands and feet; and
those who crucified Him parted His garments among themselves, each casting lots for
what he chose to have, and receiving according to the decision of the lot."

"Christ said amongst you that He would give the sign of Jonah, exhorting you to repent of
your wicked deeds at least after He rose again from the dead ... yet you not only have not
repented, after you learned that He rose from the dead, but, as I said before, you have sent
chosen and ordained men throughout all the world to proclaim that 'a godless and lawless
heresy had sprung from one Jesus, a Galilean deceiver, whom we crucified, but His
disciples stole Him by night from the tomb, where He was laid when unfastened from the
cross, and now deceive men by asserting that He has risen from the dead and ascended to
heaven.'"

"For indeed the Lord remained upon the tree almost until evening, and they buried Him at
eventide; then on the third day He rose again."

Bibliography citations

1: Habermas, Gary R. Ancient Evidence for the Life of Jesus. Nashville: Thomas Nelson
Publishers, 1984

2: Suetonius life of Claudius 25:4

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/suet-claudius-rolfe.html

3: The Devine Evidence Apologetics The Historicity of Jesus

http://www.thedevineevidence.com/jesus_history.html

4: Evidence for Jesus Westark Church of Christ

http://www.westarkchurchofchrist.org/library/extrabiblical.htm